Garrett Crochet signs record-breaking $170 million deal with Red Sox
- Garrett Crochet, acquired by the Red Sox, has made a strong return after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
- His six-year contract is the largest for a pitcher with four or more years of major league service time.
- This significant investment reflects the Red Sox's belief in his potential as a key player in their rotation.
In a significant move during the MLB offseason, Garrett Crochet, a 25-year-old left-handed pitcher, struck a deal with the Boston Red Sox worth $170 million over six years. This agreement was announced as Crochet made his opening day debut for the Red Sox, where he displayed promising talent, pitching five innings and giving up two earned runs in a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers. Notably, this contract is a record for pitchers with over four years of major league service time, reflecting the team's confidence in Crochet's potential despite his recent injury history. Garrett Crochet's journey to this remarkable contract hasn't been straightforward. Initially drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 2020, he quickly garnered attention for his performance, earning a spot on the All-Star team in his first season as a starter. However, injuries plagued him in 2022, requiring Tommy John surgery which sidelined him for a year. His return in 2023 saw him shift back to being a reliever before starting as a primary pitcher in 2024. In the 2024 season, Crochet excelled with a 3.58 ERA across 146 innings, striking out 209 batters. Even with some struggles towards the end of the season, the Red Sox deemed him a valuable asset and acquired him through a trade that involved several prospects. The magnitude of his new contract underscores the expectations placed on him as a pivotal part of the team's future, providing them a powerful arm in their rotation. Now, with a solid contract backed by his impressive but inconsistent performances, Crochet's trajectory in Boston will be closely monitored. With an opt-out option after the 2030 season, there is a chance that both the Red Sox and Crochet could benefit from a successful partnership. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how he builds momentum after a challenging recovery and how he can sustain his performance consistently to justify the hefty investment made by the franchise.